First Nation communities share in $9M from federal, provincial governments
Five First Nation communities will share in nearly $9 million in funding from the federal and provincial governments to improve local community, cultural and recreational facilities.
The funding, which was announced on April 14, will be shared among Windigo First Nations Council, Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation, Beausoleil First Nation, Kingfisher Lake First Nation, and Pikangikum First Nation.
In Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation, improvements and upgrades to the Native Horizons Treatment Centre will allow clients to regain access to important treatment and healing programs after a 2018 fire destroyed part of the centre.
Project work involves rebuilding portions of the building including the addition of multipurpose and spiritual rooms, and the construction of spaces for trauma-informed programming and cultural and land-based activities. Renovations will also occur to client lounge and laundry rooms, as well as the kitchen and dining areas.
"Since the fire, we have received over 3800 truly heart-breaking calls from our communities seeking support in their recovery and healing journeys,” said Wanda Smith, executive director of the Native Horizons Treatment Centre. “Our new facility will finally be able to provide culturally specific, holistic and trauma conscious programming too individuals, families and communities. As well as relieving some of the back log at other Indigenous treatment centres created by our absence."
The other projects include renovations to an historical library building in Beausoleil First Nation to improve access and extend the life of the building; upgrades to community beaches in Bearskin Lake First Nation; the creation of a new ice plant and the rehabilitation of a multipurpose room for Kingfisher Lake First Nation; and the construction of a housing facility to support residents though quality social and community services in Pikangikum First Nation.
The Government of Canada is investing over $7.1 million towards the projects through its Investing in Canada plan, while the Government of Ontario is providing over $1.7 million and recipients are contributing over $1.2 million to their respective projects.